FEATURED:

APTER

October 11, 2013

Allen Apter, Loving husband, father, grandfather of 5, lifelong man of charity and industry died peacefully on October 10, 2013. Allen's father Robert Apter founded Wesco Handtruck Co. in 1948. Allen joined him after graduating from Lehigh University and over the years grew the business from a garage in Philadelphia to Wesco Industrial Products, an international corporation with over 120 employees. Allen's work ethic was matched only by his devotion to his family and community. Often surrounded by children and grandchildren, Allen always had a joke to tell or a finger to pull. His tireless support of organizations and charities such as JDRF (former Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), the Jewish Federation of Philadelphia, Lehigh University and Ma'alot Art Center in Israel will continue to benefit generations to come. Allen served on the Board of Directors on JDRF for many years where he strategized and raised funds for Type 1 diabetes research. His particular passion was the Artificial Pancreas Project, which now shows great promise as a potential treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Allen traveled to Israel several times during his life, and became particularly touched by the people of Ma'alot who longed for a town arts center. Due to his generosity, the people of Ma'alot now have a wonderful place to gather as a community and to use art as a way to express their personal and world views.